Can you recommend some dark historical fiction books?

Sure. 'The Winter King' by Bernard Cornwell is an excellent choice. It delves into the legend of King Arthur, set against the backdrop of the Dark Ages in Britain. It combines historical facts with fictional elements really well. Also, 'The Saxon Tales' series by the same author is worth reading as it follows the adventures of a Saxon nobleman during this turbulent period.

Well, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is an excellent 'dark ages historical fiction'. It combines mystery and historical details. The story is set in an Italian abbey in the 14th century. The characters are well - drawn and the exploration of medieval religious and intellectual life is fascinating. There's also 'The Saxon Tales' series by Bernard Cornwell which follows the story of Uhtred during the Viking age, full of battles and political intrigue.

One great 'dark and gritty historical fiction' book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It is set in a medieval monastery and involves complex mysteries, dark secrets, and a very gritty portrayal of the times, including religious intrigue and the harsh living conditions.

Sure. 'The Other Boleyn Girl' is a great one. It offers a fictionalized look at the life of Mary Boleyn in the Tudor court.

Well, 'Wolf Hall' is also likely to be on such a list. It delves deep into the life of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. The book is known for its detailed portrayal of the historical setting, the complex characters, and the political maneuverings of the time. It really makes you feel like you are in that era, experiencing the events as they unfold.

One of the books from that list could be 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a great historical fiction with a rich narrative set in different time periods.

One of the great historical fiction books from 2016 could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground. It gives a vivid and often harrowing look at the experience of slaves trying to escape to freedom.

One great book from that list could be 'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin. It's set in a fictional medieval - like world full of political intrigue, complex characters, and epic battles.

One of the great historical fiction books from 2017 could be 'The Essex Serpent'. It is set in Victorian England and follows the story of a widow who moves to a small village. There, rumors of a mythical serpent start to spread. The book beautifully captures the era's atmosphere, from the social norms to the scientific thinking of the time.

Another great one might be 'March' by Geraldine Brooks. It gives a unique perspective on the events of 'Little Women' from the father's point of view during the Civil War. It's a very engaging read that delves deep into the historical context of that time.